This will be a quick update since I’m falling asleep at the keyboard… The flight from ATL through MIA to SDQ (Santo Domingo) was relatively easy for me, but not so much for my luggage. It appears my big red bag was enjoying the Miami area too much to leave when I did. The plan Continue reading

You are an evangelist. That’s right – you! You probably didn’t realize it. It came very naturally to you. You didn’t have to struggle for the right words or study how to approach people who may not view things the same way you do. Honestly, you don’t even need to be a Christian to evangelize. Continue reading

“Follow me.” What a simple statement by Jesus, but the implications of following or not following are immense and eternal. To follow Jesus means we not only receive Him as Savior but also as Lord. We relinquish control of our lives. In fact, our lives are no longer our own. As Paul wrote in Galatians Continue reading

The planning for the service on Sunday was complete. I had worked on the message and was excited about preaching it. The music team had practiced and ready to sing. All the behind-the-scenes details were taken care of. Then came Sunday morning, and the service did not go quite as planned. I’ll admit that I Continue reading

I had just taken my first pastorate at Bethel Baptist Church. It was a wonderful church filled with loving people who allowed a fresh-out-of-seminary pastor to get his feet wet in the real world. The members embraced my wife and me as part of their family. They tolerated some less than stellar preaching with grace Continue reading

Often when we go out for dinner the restaurant will provide a wine list along with the menu. From time to time, the server will suggest a particular wine that either goes with the meal we have ordered or one that is at a special price that evening. I don’t know that I’ve ever ordered Continue reading

Odds are pretty good that you have a few mirrors in your house. They are used to safely shave, put in contact lenses, or carefully apply makeup. You may stop to take a quick looking into one before walking out the door. Mirrors are useful to see if you hair is in place, your tie Continue reading

I have never been a fan of Woody Allen. I know he is supposed to be some kind of cinematic genius but I never really “got it” when it came to his work. His off-screen escapades don’t do much to engender me to him either. I recently read a quote of his, however, that helps Continue reading

A fictional story that is all too real… I am planning on visiting your church Sunday. It took me three months to build up the courage. You see, I haven’t attended church in a long time…not even on Easter and Christmas. I’m not proud of that. It wasn’t how I was raised. It just kind Continue reading

It would be difficult to estimate the number of funerals I have officiated or assisted in over the past 24 years. I can tell you most assuredly, it has been far more than I would have preferred. Funerals are always a challenge for pastors, but the challenge is not always the same. Sometimes the person Continue reading